An upcoming auction had Crossville authorities question the contents of a storage building after learning who the previous owner was.

Last week, emergency personnel arrived at a storage unit off Stanely Street to investigate the contents that were inside. The former owner of the unit, 35-year-old Charles Conatser, is currently incarcerated and had previously been involved in the handling of hazardous materials and a potential explosive lab. The Cumberland County EMA Director, Travis Cole, was concerned that the potential buyer of the storage unit could be exposed to hazardous materials and therefore wanted to conduct a safety check.

While examining the unit, drug paraphernalia and narcotics were located at the entry. A tote was found with glassware, metal, and liquids in unmarked containers with a potent chemical smell. Some items were recognized as similar products located during other encounters with Mr. Conatser when he was suspected of attempting to manufacture explosives.

Crossville Fire Department and their HAZMAT team, the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Tennessee Highway Patrol Bomb Squad, Tennessee Emergency Management Agency, and the 45th Civil Support Team from the Tennessee National Guard all came to assist the investigation.

Crossville Police Department stood by as security as State and Federal Partner Agencies collected and tested potential hazardous items.

Upon completion of their investigation, the authorities did not locate any hazardous or explosive materials.